Mercer Island Reporter

Rep. Maxwell is ‘advocate of the year’ for school counselors

Rep. Marcie Maxwell accepts the Legislative Advocate of the Year award from Olympia High School counselor Kim Reykdal. / Contributed photo

State Representative Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) was recently honored as the Legislative Advocate of the Year by the Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA). Maxwell serves as the Deputy Majority Leader for Education & Opportunity in the House of Representatives.

The organization, which represents the certificated professional school counselors who work in public and private schools, cited Maxwell’s “tireless advocacy” for improving public education for all students and efforts to allocate more resources for school counseling.

As a member of the Joint Task Force on Education Funding and the Quality Education Council, Maxwell has advocated for additional middle and high school counselors and lower student/counselor ratios.

“School counselors ensure that kids are ready to learn, support schools and families through life challenges, and guide pathways to college and careers,” said Maxwell. “Their work is important for student success.”

Olympia High School counselor and Tumwater School District board member Kim Reykdal presented Maxwell with her award.

“Rep. Maxwell advocates for school counselors in more arenas than I can possibly track,” said Reykdal.

House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D-Covington), who served with Maxwell on the school funding task force, believes the award is well-deserved.

“Marcie is a valuable member of our leadership team, especially when it comes to standing up for our students and schools,” said Sullivan. “She understands that our school counselors play a vital role in getting our kids college and career ready.”

Maxwell has served the 41st Legislative District since 2009. Her district includes the communities of Bellevue, Beaux Arts, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Renton and Sammamish.